Rix fails in Hughes bid

As the midday deadline draws closer, Graham Rix has hit another brick wall in his attempt to sign Mark Hughes on a short term loan. The manager knew striker from his time at Chelsea and saw the veteran as the perfect man to add some bite into Pompey's toothless frontline.

With Peter Crouch suspended and the club's forwards ravaged with injury, Pompey's management have tried in vain to recruit a striker before Saturday's game against Wimbledon. It is reported that Rix also watched Cedric Roussell for Wolves in the week - but left disgusted at half time. A futile trip to Scotland has also been done by the tired manager.

Full match preview to follow - after 12pm - incase Rix has one last rabbit to pull out of the hat.